Vertical cable railing assembly

ABSTRACT

A railing system is provided that illustratively includes a first rail and a second rail where the first rail is spaced-apart from the second rail. At least one cable that extends between the spaced-apart first and second rails. The at least one cable includes a stop sleeve disposed about the cable and positioned adjacent an end of the at least one cable. A cable tensioner having a body, a bore disposed through the body, and a stop surface is located adjacent an opening in the cable tensioner. An adapter that includes a body and a bore that extends into the body. The body of the adapter forms a surface located in contact with an underside surface of the top panel of the second rail between the first and second sidewalls of the second rail.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application relates to and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/727,763, filed on Sep. 6,2018, entitled “Vertical Cable Railing System”. The subject matterdisclosed in that Provisional application is hereby expresslyincorporated into the present Application.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to railings, fences, and like barriers,and, particularly, to the use of cable balusters employed in suchrailings, fences, and like barriers.

An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a railingsystem. The railing system comprises a horizontally-oriented upper railand a horizontally-oriented lower rail. The horizontally-oriented upperrail is spaced-apart from the horizontally-oriented lower rail. Thehorizontally-oriented lower rail has an n-shaped cross-sectional profilethat includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced-apart andfacing the first sidewall, and a top panel that extends between andconnected to the first and second side walls. At least one cable extendsbetween the spaced-apart horizontally-oriented upper and lower rails,and through an opening in the top panel and between the spaced-apartfirst and second sidewalls of the horizontally-oriented lower rail. Theat least one cable includes a stop sleeve disposed about the cable andis positioned adjacent an end of the at least one cable. So, together,the stop sleeve and the at least one cable have a width greater than theat least one cable. A cable tensioner having a partially cylindricalbody, a partially threaded outer surface, a bore disposed through thepartially cylindrical body, and a stop surface located adjacent anopening on the cable tensioner. The at least one cable and the stopsleeve are located in the bore of the cable tensioner where the stopsleeve is engageable with the stop surface of the cable tensioner. Anadapter that includes a body, a partially cylindrical bore that extendsinto the body, and first and second opposing flanges that extendoutwardly from the body. At least a portion of the cable tensioner fitsinto the partially cylindrical bore of the adapter. A fastener having athreaded bore disposed therethrough and a contact surface adjacent thethreaded bore. The partially threaded outer surface of the partiallycylindrical body of the cable tensioner is threadingly engaged to thethreaded bore of the fastener. The contact surface of the fastenerengages the contact surface on the body of the adapter with a portion ofthe at least one cable, cable stop sleeve, and tensioner located withinthe partially cylindrical bore of the adapter. The first and secondopposing flanges that extend outwardly from the body of the adapter forma surface located in contact with an underside surface of the top panelbetween the first and second side walls of the horizontally-orientedlower rail. Adjustment of the fastener allows the cable tensioner toselectively move towards and away from the underside surface of the toppanel of the horizontally-oriented lower rail.

In the above and other embodiments, the railing system may furthercomprise: at least one rigid baluster extending between thehorizontally-oriented upper rail and the horizontally-oriented lowerrail, wherein the at least one baluster extends through a balusteropening disposed through the top panel of the horizontally-orientedlower rail, wherein each of the first and second sidewalls of thehorizontally-oriented lower rail include a slot, wherein a panel isdisposed in the slot and configured to receive an end of the at leastone baluster to limit the spaced-apart distance between thehorizontally-oriented upper rail and the horizontally-oriented lowerrail; the first and second opposing flanges each include one radiusedcorner wherein the radiused corner of the first opposing flange isdiagonally positioned with respect to the radiused corner of the secondopposing flange; the partially cylindrical bore in the adapter includesat least one planar sidewall; the fastener being a nut; the balusterbeing wedged between the panel located in the horizontally-orientedlower rail and a second end of the baluster engaged with thehorizontally-oriented upper rail; as the at least one baluster limitsthe spaced-apart distance between the horizontally-oriented upper railand the horizontally-oriented lower rail, the at least one cable thatextends between the spaced-apart horizontally-oriented upper and lowerrails is tensioned by the cable tensioner selectively moved away fromthe underside surface of the top panel of the horizontally-orientedlower rail; the at least one cable is a plurality of cables, whereineach cable of the plurality of cables includes a stop sleeve disposedabout the cable and positioned adjacent an end of the cable, so togetherthe stop sleeve and the cable have a width greater than the cable, acable tensioner having a partially cylindrical body, a partiallythreaded outer surface, a bore disposed through the partiallycylindrical body, and a stop surface located adjacent an opening on thecable tensioner, wherein the cable and the stop sleeve are located inthe bore of the cable tensioner where the stop sleeve is engageable withthe stop surface of the cable tensioner; an adapter that includes abody, a partially cylindrical bore that extends into the body, and firstand second opposing flanges that extend outwardly from the body, whereinat least a portion of the cable tensioner fits into the partiallycylindrical bore of the adapter, and a fastener having a threaded boredisposed therethrough and a contact surface adjacent the threaded bore;the partially threaded outer surface of the partially cylindrical bodyof the cable tensioner for each cable of the plurality of cables isthreadingly engaged to the threaded bore of the fastener, the contactsurface of the fastener engages the contact surface on the body of theadapter with a portion of the cable, cable stop sleeve and tensionerlocated within the partially cylindrical bore of the adapter; the firstand second opposing flanges that extend outwardly from the body of theadapter to form a surface located in contact with an underside surfaceof the top panel between the first and second sidewalls of thehorizontally-oriented lower rail, and the adjustment of the fastenerallows the cable tensioner to selectively move towards and away from theunderside surface of the top panel of the horizontally-oriented lowerrail; the horizontally-oriented upper rail includes a slot that facesthe horizontally-oriented lower rail, wherein a longitudinally extendingretainer plate engages the periphery of the slot, wherein the retainerplate includes an opening size to receive the at least one cable, butnot a second stop sleeve located adjacent a second end of the cable,wherein the second end of the cable and stop sleeve are located withinthe horizontally-extending upper rail and engages the retainer plate,wherein a baluster opening is disposed of through the retainer plate andconfigured to receive a baluster having an end located within thehorizontally-extending upper rail; and the plate fitted within each ofthe slots located on opposing sidewalls of the horizontally-extendinglower rail, does not shroud the adapter located in thehorizontally-extending lower rail.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides arailing system. The railing system comprises a first rail and a secondrail where the first rail is spaced apart from the second rail. At leastone cable that extends between the spaced-apart first and second rails,and extended through an opening in a top panel located betweenspaced-apart first and second sidewalls of the second rail. The at leastone cable includes a stop sleeve disposed about the cable and positionedadjacent an end of the at least one cable. A cable tensioner having abody, a bore disposed through the body, and a stop surface locatedadjacent an opening in the cable tensioner. The at least one cable withits stop sleeve is located in the bore of the cable tensioner where thestop sleeve is engageable with the stop surface of the cable tensioner.An adapter that includes a body and a bore that extends into the body.At least a portion of the cable tensioner fits into the bore of theadapter. The body of the adapter forms a surface located in contact withan underside surface of the top panel of the second rail between thefirst and second sidewalls of the second rail.

In the above and other embodiments, the railing system may furthercomprise: a fastener having a threaded bore disposed therethrough and acontact surface adjacent the threaded bore, the partially threaded outersurface of the body of the cable tensioner threadedly engages thethreaded bore of the fastener; the contact surface of the fastenerengages a contact surface on the body of the adapter with a portion ofthe at least one cable, cable stop, and tensioner are located within thebore of the adapter; the adapter further includes first and secondopposing flanges that extend outwardly from the body of the adapter andform a surface with the body located in contact with an undersidesurface of the top panel between the first and second sidewalls of thesecond rail; adjustment of the fastener allows the cable tensioner toselectively move towards and away from the underside surface of the toppanel of the second rail.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes amethod of assembling a rail system. The method comprises the steps of:providing a rail member that has a longitudinal extent, and a top panellocated between spaced-apart first and second sidewalls that extendalong the longitudinal extent of the rail member; extending a cablebetween the spaced-apart first and second sidewalls of the rail member;providing an adapter that includes a body and first and second opposingflanges that extend outwardly from the body of the adapter and form asurface; locating the adapter between the spaced-apart first and secondsidewalls of the rail member; placing the adapter on an undersidesurface of the rail member between the spaced-apart first and secondsidewalls; engaging the at least one cable with the adapter; androtating the adapter so the first and second opposing flanges arelocated adjacent the spaced-apart first and second sidewalls,respectively.

In the above and other embodiments, the method of assembling a railsystem may further comprise the steps of: providing each of the firstand second opposing flanges of the adapter with one radiused corner suchthat the radiused corner of the first opposing flange is positioneddiagonally with respect to the radiused corner of the second opposingflange; and rotating the adapter one-quarter turn so the first andsecond opposing flanges are located adjacent the spaced-apart first andsecond sidewalls, respectively.

Additional features and advantages of the vertical cable rail systemwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration ofthe following detailed descriptions of carrying out the vertical cablerail system as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The concepts described in the present disclosure are illustrated by wayof example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. Forsimplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in thefigures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensionsof some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements forclarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a railing system according to anillustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective detail view of the underside of a portion of therailing system;

FIG. 3 is an exploded detail perspective view of a portion of a sectionof the railing system;

FIG. 4 is an end across-sectional view of the railing system;

FIG. 5 is a detail cross-sectional view of the lower rail of the railingsystem;

FIG. 6 is an end across-sectional detail view of a portion of the lowerrail;

FIG. 7 is a view of the lower rail;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are top perspective, underside perspective,underside, and side elevational views, respectively, of an adapter;

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the lower rail area of therailing system;

FIG. 10 is a detail cross-sectional view of a portion of the lower railwith a support baluster disposed therein;

FIG. 11 is another side cross-sectional view of a securement assembly;

FIG. 12 is an underside view of a portion of the lower rail;

FIG. 13 is another underside view of a portion of the lower rail;

FIG. 14 is another underside view of the portion of the lower rail;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the upper rail with alongitudinally-extending retainer;

FIG. 16 is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of a staircase railsystem;

FIG. 17 is a detail perspective view of the underside of a portion of asection of the staircase rail system;

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional detail view of a portion of the upperrail;

FIG. 19 is a detail cross-sectional view of the lower rail portion ofthe staircase rail system;

FIG. 20 is an end across-sectional view of the staircase rail system;

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D are perspective, side, top, and rear views,respectively, of an adapter bracket;

FIG. 22 is an underside view of a portion of the lower rail of thestaircase rail system;

FIG. 23 is another underside view of a portion of the lower rail; and

FIG. 24 is another underside view of the portion of the lower rail.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplification set out hereinillustrates embodiments of the vertical cable rail system, and suchexemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of thevertical cable rail system in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified toillustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of theherein described devices, systems, and methods, while eliminating, forthe purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typicaldevices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may recognizethat other elements and/or operations may be desirable and/or necessaryto implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Becausesuch elements and operations are well known in the art, and because theydo not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, adiscussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein.However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all suchelements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects thatwould be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed tofencing or barriers (collectively referred to as railing systems) thatemploy tensioned cables to serve as physical barriers as an alternativeto rigid only baluster railing systems.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed toa railing system that employs a plurality of tensioned vertical cablesthat are spaced apart and extend between horizontally oriented upper andlower rails. Each of the plurality of cables extends from illustrativelythe underside of the top rail to the bottom rail, so as to serve as abaluster (i.e., physical barrier) for the railing system.Illustratively, each of the cables (which may be stainless steel, forexample) extends through, either or both, upper and lower rails. Forpurposes of this disclosure, securement of the cable to the lower railwill be described further herein. It will be appreciated by the skilledartisan that such attachment systems, or substantial equivalentsthereof, may be employed on the upper rail as well. In an illustrativeembodiment, the cable may extend through the bottom rail. The cableextends into a channel formed in the lower rail. Within that channel, anadapter having an opening disposed therethrough, may receive a cabletensioner and a nut. Illustratively, a cable stop sleeve, located at oradjacent the end of the cable, may fit in a bore disposed through thecable tensioner. The cable tensioner may be illustratively configured byvarying its opening size to hold the cable via a cable stop sleeve. Thecable tensioner may fit in the adapter which abuts against a top surfaceof the channel that forms the bottom rail. In this configuration, thecable is extended through and held by the adapter and the cabletensioner is fitted against the upper surface of the bottom rail. Thecable may be held in place and serve as a substitute for a conventionalrigid post between upper and lower rails.

In an illustrative embodiment, the cable tensioner may include one ormore keyed structures so as to prevent it from rotating with respect tothe adapter. Such “keyed” structures may include one or more flatsurfaces on an otherwise cylindrical body. Alternatively, the “keyed”structure may be a protrusion or detent. The cable tensioner may alsohave a portion of its outer surface threaded so as to engage and threadonto a nut. Illustratively, further threading the nut onto the cabletensioner (fitted in the adapter) will pull on the cable tensioner withrespect to the adapter. This causes the cable, via the cable stopsleeve, to likewise be pulled with the cable tensioner. Because theother end of the cable is fixed to the upper rail, the cable tensioner,nut, and adapter cause the cable to be pulled taught or straight.

An illustrative embodiment of the adapter may include opposing wings toprovide further support in the channel of the bottom rail. The wings mayalso aid in assembly of the rail system. Illustratively, the wings mayinclude opposing square and rounded corners. This allows the adapter,during assembly, to be slid into the channel of the lower rail with itswing essentially coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe lower rail. Once the opening of the adapter is aligned with anopening that receives the cable in the upper surface of the lower rail,the adapter may be rotated (for example a quarter turn) to seat theadapter in its desired location within the lower rail. The radiused edgeallows this pivoting within the channel of the lower rail, which duringassembly, may provide added efficiency. The wing eases assembly in thateach adaptor does not need to be meticulously placed onto the rail inorder to prevent rotation. This allows the adaptor to move and seat pastthe interior side rib protrusions located in the interior of the lowerrail without needing to be loaded from the end of rail. It alsoalleviates the need to end load both the adaptor and the aluminum bar ina specific sequence pattern of 3 adaptors/1 aluminum bar, and then lineup the adaptor with each cable hole along the rail to place cables.During the cable tensioning process, the opposing square corners of thewings may abut the interior sides of the lower rail, thus limiting theadapter/tensioner rotation to one-quarter turn. This eliminates the needfor a second tool/wrench to tension cables. Further, the adaptor beingpositioned perpendicular to the lower rail in the final tensionedassembly, positions it in a “no cut zone” on either side of the cableaxis for railing sections otherwise needing to be cut down at the jobsite.

It is appreciated that in the illustrative embodiment there is anindividual adaptor for each cable that extends through the lower rail.In other embodiments, the adapters may include a single web member withmultiple tensioner-receiving openings to be inserted into the channel ofthe lower rail that have corresponding openings.

In a further embodiment, the bottom rail channel may include opposingslots located on the interior surface of the sides of the channel of thebottom rail. The opposing slots may be sized and dimensioned to receivea bar that can be slid along the channel of the bottom rail. Theopposing slots may also be aligned with an opening that is sized anddimensioned to receive a support baluster that extends between the upperand bottom rails to assist providing structural support of the railingsystem. The bars are end loaded into the space in the lower rail andslid along the rail and placed intermittently in the lower rail whilethe cable assemblies are dropped into the cable holes. Once the cableassemblies are placed, the bar retains its position, lined up with thebaluster hole, because of its length and placed between the interiorside ribs. The length of the bar that slides into the slots formed onthe inner walls of the lower rail may bump up against an adaptor oneither side before it can slide out of position for the support balusterto engage the bar through the hole in the bottom rail.

An illustrated embodiment depicting a front elevational view of arailing system 2 is shown in FIG. 1. Railing system 2 is illustrativelya section of railing. It is appreciated that multiple sections may beconnected together as needed to create a full railing as determined bythe size of the space to be closed in. The section of railing system 2shown in FIG. 1 includes posts 4 and 6. Said posts 4 and 6 areillustratively vertically oriented extending from the ground or othersurfaces, such as a patio, deck, yard, balcony, etc. Illustrativemethods of attaching posts 4 and 6 to the ground or surface may includefasteners or concrete. Also, base 16 and cap 18 may be located on eachpost 4 and 6, as shown.

Located between posts 4 and 6 are upper rail 8 and lower rail 10. Upperand lower rails 8 and 10, respectively, help define the distance or run12 between posts 4 and 6. Brackets 14 attach rails 8 and 10 to posts 4and 6 as illustratively shown. It will be appreciated by the skilledartisan, upon reading this disclosure, that attaching rails 8 and 10 tothe opposite sides of posts 4 and 6 may extend the length of railingsystem 2 to any desired length. As shown in this view, substantial space20 exists between rails 8 and 10. In space 20 is located at least one(or a plurality) of support balusters 22. These support balusters 22extend between railings 8 and 10 for supporting the railings anddefining a distance between the railings. It is appreciated that anynumber of support balusters 22 may be used in a section of railingsystem 2 between posts 4 and 6. As shown in FIG. 1, illustratively,seven support balusters 22 may be used. That said, it is possible,depending on the length of run 12 between posts 4 and 6, that only onesupport balusters 22 is needed, or more than the seven support balusters22 shown are needed. The skilled artisan will be able to determine uponreading this disclosure how many support balusters 22 may be employedbased on desired use and configuration of the section of railing system2. Support balusters may be made from metal, including, but not limitedto, aluminum, iron, steel, wood, plastic, vinyl, or other like material.

Also extending between upper and lower railings 8 and 10, respectively,in space 20, are a plurality of cables 24, 26, and 28. It is appreciatedthat any number of cables from one to three to twenty-four to any othernumber may be employed in a section of railing system 2. Theillustrative set of three cables 24, 26, and 28, located between supportbalusters 22 and posts 4 and 6, are not intended to define a specificnumber of such cables used between sections of railing system 2. It isfurther appreciated that the cables may be made of any variety ofmaterial including, but not limited to, stainless steel, other metal,nylon, fabric, or natural material. Illustratively, each of cables 24,26, and 28 exert a tension force against rails 8 and 10, respectively.At the same time, support balusters 22 resists that tension force tomaintain the space 20 between rails 8 and 10. The result is a strongrailing system 2 with aesthetic uniqueness derived from the cables. Inessence, cables 24, 26, and 28 act as balusters in similar fashion toconventional balusters to serve as a barrier in space 20 between rails 8and 10.

A perspective detail view of the underside of a portion of a section ofrailing system 2 is shown in FIG. 2. This view depicts how cables 24,26, and 28 each attach to lower rail 10. Openings 30, 32, and 34,respectively (see FIG. 3), dispose through top panel 36 of lower rail10. Sidewalls 38 and 40 of lower rail 10 are spaced apart from eachother creating a space 42 illustratively within the underside of lowerrail 10. It is appreciated that lower rail 10, as well as upper rail 8,may be made of an extruded aluminum, steel, iron, plastic, or other likematerials suitable for railing construction. In the illustratedembodiment, each of sidewalls 38 and 40 include a slot 44 and 46,respectively, which extends along the longitudinal extent or run 12 onthe inner surfaces 48 and 50, respectively, of sidewalls 38 and 40,respectively. Slots 44 and 46 are configured and sized to receive bar52, as shown. Bar 52 supports support baluster 22 as further discussedwith respect to FIGS. 4 and 6.

To secure each of cables 24, 26, and 28 to lower rail 10, each includesa securement assemblies 54, 56, and 58. It is appreciated that, again,although the description herein is referring to an illustrative trio ofcables extending into lower rail 10, one skilled in the art willunderstand that any number of cables may extend into lower rail 10,including, but not limited to, just one cable. In other words, thisdisclosure should not be interpreted as requiring the illustrated numberof cable balusters shown. Each securement assembly 54, 56, and 58includes an adapter and a nut 62 as further disclosed herein (see, also,FIGS. 4, 5, and 11). Cable 24 extends through adapter 60 and secures tonut 62. Body 64 of adapter 60 receives cable 24 and provides a rigidspacing between nut 62 and inner surface 66 of top panel 36. Nut 62engages cable 24 as further described herein to provide axial tension ofcable 24 in direction 68. Accordingly, nut 62, being able to furtherdraw cable 24 in direction 68, produces further tension on cable 24.This ensures cable 24 is taught while extending between upper rail 8 andlower rail 10 so cable 24 may serve as a baluster.

An exploded detail perspective view of a portion of a section of railingsystem 2 is shown in FIG. 3. From this view, support baluster 22 isconfigured to extend through opening 72, which is disposed through toppanel 36 of lower rail 10. Plate or bar 52 is sized to fit into slots 44and 46 on inner surfaces 48 and 50 of sidewalls 38 and 40, respectively.Bar 52 may illustratively slide along the longitudinal extent or run oflower rail 10 until it is seated underneath opening 72. In this way,support baluster 22 may engage bar 52 once extended through opening 72.This configuration, along with support baluster 22 engaging top rail 8(see, also, FIG. 4), establishes a spacing 20 that can be maintainedbetween upper rail 8 and lower rail 10. This allows cables 24, 26, and28 to be tensioned between upper rail 8 and lower rail 10 to serve aseffective balusters.

Also shown in this view are securement assemblies 54, 56, and 58. Eachis configured to receive and secure one of cables 24, 26, and 28, whichare disposed through openings 30, 32, and 34, respectively. Each ofsecurement assemblies 54, 56, and 58, includes adapter 60, nut 62, and acable tensioner 76.

Adapter 60 illustratively includes a wing portion 78 and body 64. It isappreciated that adapter 60 may be made of nylon, plastic, metal, orother like material. Body 64, of adapter 60, includes a bore 80 disposedtherethrough, as well as through wing 78 sized and configured to receivecable tensioner 76. In the illustrative embodiment, bore 80 may be fullyor only partially cylindrical. In this illustrated embodiment, bore 80includes linear walls 82 and 84 which correspond to linear walls 86 and88 on cable tensioner 76. This is so cable tensioner 76 does not rotateabout its longitudinal axis while still movable in direction 68 or 70within bore 80 of adapter 60 (see, also, FIG. 5). Adapter 60 alsoincludes wing portion 78 extending illustratively transverse to thelongitudinal extent of bore 80. Wing portion 78, as also shown in FIGS.8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D, includes opposed radius corners 90 and 92, as wellas diagonally opposed square corners 94 and 96. This allows adapter 60to be fitted into space 42 within lower rail 10, with wing portion 78aligned with the longitudinal extent or run 12 of lower rail 10. wingportion 8 may then be rotated illustratively a quarter turn, as furtherdiscussed in FIGS. 12-14. These positions of wing portion 78 are, thus,oriented transverse to the longitudinal extent or run 12 of lower rail10. When this is done, such that bore 80 is aligned with opening 30,adapter 60 is secured or may be secured within lower rail 10 to be heldin place sufficient to finish assembling securement assembly 54. To thatend, cable tensioner 76 is configured to fit into bore 80 of adapter 60.A cable bore 98 is disposed through cable tensioner 76, and is intendedto align with opening 30 in lower rail 10.

Linear walls 86 and 88 correspond to walls 82 and 84 that are part ofbore 80 in adapter 60. This configuration is such that cable tensioner76 does not rotate with respect to adapter 60. Illustratively, cabletensioner 76 includes threaded surfaces 102 and 104 that illustrativelycorrespond with a threaded surface of bore 106 in nut 62. As furtherdiscussed with respect to FIG. 5, cable tensioner 76 engages cable stopsleeves 108. It is appreciated that cable stop sleeves 108 may be madeof stainless steel, or other material that can withstand the force thatapplies tension onto cable 24. In the illustrated embodiment, nut 62sits on end surface 110 of body 64 of adapter 60. By rotating nut 62,corresponding threads in bore 106 engage and travel along threadedsurfaces 102 and 104 which cause cable tensioner 76 to move in eitherdirection 68 or 70 as needed to apply the appropriate tension onto cable24. For example, rotating nut 62 in a first direction may cause cabletensioner 76 to move in direction 68, which will cause tension to beapplied to cable 24. Conversely, rotating nut 62 in the oppositedirection will cause cable tensioner 76 to move within bore 80 ofadapter 60 to move in direction 70, which will lessen tension on cable24. It is further appreciated that these same structures exist forsecurement assemblies 56 and 58 as shown in FIG. 3.

An end cross-sectional view of railing system 2 is shown in FIG. 4. Thisview, in particular, depicts support baluster 22 disposed throughopening 112 in communication with cavity 115 of upper rail 8. A supportcap 114 is located within upper rail 8. As shown, and consistent withthe other views, support baluster 22 extends from upper rail 8 throughlower rail 10 and supported by bar 52 located in slots 44 and 46, asillustratively shown. The skilled artisan, upon reading this disclosure,may therefore appreciate how the combination of balusters 22, with upperand lower rails 8 and 10, respectively, serve to establish a fixeddistance between upper rail 8 and lower rail 10. This fixed distanceallows cable 24 (as well as the other cables 26 and 28, for example) toextend through both upper and lower rails 8 and 10, respectively. Thisview also shows how wing portion 78, of adapter 60, abuts inner surface66 of lower rail 10. Illustratively, wing portion 78 may have a curvededge that conforms to the curved edge at the sides of inner surface 66as shown in FIG. 4. It is further appreciated from this view that, withadapter 60 abutting interior surface 66 of lower rail 10 and nut 62seated on body 64, cable 24 extended therethrough may be secured intension between upper and lower rails 8 and 10, respectively. Alongitudinally extending retainer 118 or other structure secures the topof cable 24 inside upper rail 8.

A detail cross-sectional end view of lower rail 10 of railing system 2is shown in FIG. 5. This view shows the interior of both adapter 60 andnut 62 within lower rail 10 to demonstrate how cable 24 may betensioned. Also shown in this view is the interior of cable tensioner76. Particularly, cable 24 is shown disposed through opening 30 on toppanel 36 of lower rail 10. Cable 24 further extends through bore 80disposed through both wing 78 and body 64 of adapter 60. Still further,cable 24 extends through opening 120, cable tensioner 76, and cable bore98 as shown. Cable stop sleeves 108, fitted and secured about cable 24,as shown, is configured to engage stop surface 122 located inside cablebore 98. This means that cable 24 can be moved in vertical directions 68and 70 by moving cable tensioner 76 in either direction 68 or 70 withinbore 80 of adapter 60. This view shows linear walls 86 and 88 on cabletensioner 76 that correspond to linear walls 82 and 84 that are part ofbore 80 of adapter 60. These linear walls are configured so that tabletensioner 76 does not rotate about axis 124 as shown therein. Thisallows threaded surfaces in bore 106 to engage threaded surfaces 102 and104 (see FIG. 3) of cable tensioner 76 which creates the selectivelinear movement in either direction 68 or 70. As previously stated,rotating nut 62 about axis 124 in a first direction will draw cabletensioner 76 (via engagement between the threads translating rotationalmovement to linear movement) in direction 68. Stop surface 122 will movecable stop sleeves 108 and, thereby, cable 24 in direction 68 as well.This, as shown, creates tension on cable 24 which assists allowing cable24 to serve as a baluster in space 20 between upper and lower rails 8and 10, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1. Conversely rotating nut 62 inthe opposite direction will move cable tensioner 76 in direction 70which relieves the drawing force between stop surface 122 and cable stopsleeves 108, thereby relieving the tension and possibly allowingmovement of cable 24 in direction 70.

An end cross-sectional detail view of a portion of lower rail 10 isshown in FIG. 6. This view is similar to the view in FIG. 5 except thatit shows how support baluster 22 engages bar 52 within space 42 of rail10. As shown, end surface 126 of support baluster 22, disposed throughopening 72 and top panel 36 of lower rail 10, engages top surface 128 ofbar 52. Support cap 114 in upper rail 8 (see, also, FIG. 4) provides asupport structure for the upper end of support baluster 22. This viewalso shows how bar 52 is fitted into slots 44 and 46 extending fromsurfaces 48 and 50 of sidewalls 38 and 40 of lower rail 10.

An end view of lower rail 10 is shown in FIG. 7. This view depicts toppanel 36, inner surface 66, and sidewalls 38 and 40. It is appreciatedthat inner surface 66 may have curved ends such as those shown byreference numerals 130 and 132 that may be complimentary tocorresponding ends of adapter 60 (see, also, FIG. 5). Also shown in thisview are opposed slots 44 and 46 extending from inner surfaces 48 and 50of sidewalls 38 and 40, respectively. It is appreciated that lower rail10 may be made of aluminum, iron, polymer, or other like material. Inaddition, such lower rail 10 may be formed by extruding same through adie to obtain the cross-section profile of the type shown in FIG. 7.

Various views of adapter 60 are shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D. Theperspective view of adapter 60 shown in FIG. 8A helps further illustratebore 80 disposed through both wing 78 and body portion 64. As previouslydiscussed, bore 80 may align with one of the openings disposed throughtop panel 36 of lower rail 10 to allow a cable to extend therein. Thisview also shows radiused corners 90 and 92. Having such curved cornersallows adapter 60 to be rotated within space 42 of lower rail 10 inorder to assist seating adapter 60 in an appropriate position underneathone of the openings (e.g., 30, 32, or 34) disposed through top panel 36of lower rail 10. Corners 94 and 96 on wing 78 serve to limit rotationof adapter 60 inside lower rail 10 to a certain extent, illustratively,to about a one quarter turn.

The underside perspective view of adapter 60, shown in FIG. 8B, alsoillustrates similar structures such as wing 78 and body 64. With respectto bore 80, this view also shows linear walls 82 and 84 disposed throughan otherwise curved or cylindrical bore. Having these linear wallscreates a key-type profile that can prevent a structure located inside(in this case cable tensioner 76) from rotating. Even more particular,having curved surfaces along with the linear surfaces as shown, allowsstructures like cable tensioner 76 to likewise have a partially curvedbody sufficient to accommodate a rotating structure such as nut 62 to berotated thereon.

Further shown in this view is end surface 110 configured to abut againstnut 62. This abutment allows nut 62 to remain stationary with respect todirections 68 and 70 while allowing cable tensioner 76 to move indirection 68 and 70 as its threads are moving through threaded bore 106of nut 62. As discussed with respect to FIG. 5, this allows tension inthe attached cable to be increased or decreased as needed by rotatingnut 62 in one direction or the other.

The underside view of adapter 60, shown in FIG. 8C, further depicts thepreviously discussed structures including body 64, wing 78, bore 80,radiused corners 90 and 92, and square corners 94 and 96. This view alsoshows the keying configuration of bore 80 using linear walls 82 and 84.Lastly, the side view in FIG. 8D shows the positioning of wing 78 withrespect to body 64.

A side cross-sectional view of the lower rail 10 area of railing system2 is shown in FIG. 9. It is appreciated from this view how multiplecables such as illustrative cables 24, 26, and 28 may serve as balusterson railing system 2. Also, support baluster 22 may be placed in analternating arrangement with the illustrative cable balusters as shown.Again, it is appreciated that any number of cable balusters or supportbalusters may be employed on a section of railing system 2 based on adesired need.

A detail cross-sectional view of a portion of lower rail 10, withsupport baluster 22 disposed therein from FIG. 9, is shown in FIG. 10.Here, as previously discussed, support baluster 22 is disposed throughopening 72 in top panel 36 of lower rail 10. It engages bar 52, which isshown located in slot 46 of sidewall 40.

A side cross-sectional view of securement assembly 54, located in space42 within lower rail 10, taken from FIG. 9, is shown in FIG. 11. Here,it is further appreciated how cable 24 extends through opening 30 of toppanel 36 of lower rail 10. Adapter 60 abuts up against inner surface 66of top panel 36 and via cable stop sleeve 108 fitted in cable tensioner76, which itself is located in bore 80 of adapter 60 and is held inplace and secured by nut 62, as shown and previously discussed.

Underside views of a portion of lower rail 10 are shown in FIGS. 12, 13,and 14. These views depict the progression of how adapter 60 ispositioned within space 42 of lower rail 10 and moved to its finalinstallation position. As shown in FIG. 12, wing 78 of adapter 60 islongitudinally oriented along or parallel with run 12 within lower rail10, as shown. Because slots 44 and 46 extend inward of space 42 frominner surfaces 48 and 50, it may not be practical to construct anadapter that can be disposed directly into space 42 through bottomopening 134 of lower rail 10. When assembling a rail system such asrailing system 2, the method of assembly can be an issue. Placingadapters onto inner surface 66 of lower rail 10 can be achieved, butholding them there can be an issue in light of slots 44 and 46.Accordingly, wing 78 is longitudinally extended so that adapter 60 isnarrow enough to fit into space 42 without slots 44 and 46 becomingobstructions. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, adapter 60 may be rotated indirection 136 to begin orienting adapter 60 transverse of run 12 oflower rail 10.

As shown in FIG. 13, wing 78, which is rotatable in either direction 136or 138, has the longitudinal extent sufficient to move unobstructivelyunder slots 44 and 46. Radiused corners 90 and 92 become useful inallowing the corners of wing portion 78 to move adjacent to sidewalls 38and 40 because there is no square corner at those locations. Asparticularly shown in FIG. 14, wing 78 is now located perpendicular tothe longitudinal extent of lower rail 10 with the leading edge of thewings positioned under slots 44 and 46. In essence, adapter 60 has beenrotated in direction 136, about one-quarter turn, so wing 78 ispositioned adjacent if not abutting sidewalls 38 and 40 of lower rail10. This allows more convenient positioning and holding of adapter 60over its corresponding opening in top panel 36 of lower rail 10 duringthe installation process. From that, the cable nut, and the cabletensioner may all be secured.

A perspective view of upper rail 8, with longitudinally extendingretainer 118 separated therefrom, is shown in FIG. 15. This view showshow support cap 114 may illustratively be configured in upper rail 8,along with opening 112. It is appreciated that upper rail 8 may beextruded so that both support cap 114 and opening 112 may be formedtherein via extrusion. With particular regard to opening 112, it may belongitudinally extending by virtue of its formation through extrudingupper rail 8. This means that individual through holes do not need to beformed in upper rail 8. Instead, such holes may be disposed inlongitudinally extending retainer 118 which, illustratively shown, is aflat panel. Disposing such holes in a flat panel such as longitudinallyextending retainer 118 provides a simpler manufacturing process thandisposing them through the more complex structure like upper rail 8. Asshown herein, cables 24, 26, and 28 are each illustratively extendedthrough longitudinally extending retainer 118 and held in place by aswage 142. It is appreciated that each cable may extend into a swage 142and be crimped thereon or by other mechanical means to securely fastenthe cable to swage 142.

Also shown in this view is support baluster 22 extending through opening144 so as to engage support cap 114 as shown in FIG. 4. By thisarrangement, the skilled artisan, upon reading this disclosure, willappreciate that cables 24, 26, and 28 (or any combination thereof),along with support baluster 22, may be assembled onto longitudinallyextending retainer 118 prior to longitudinally extending retainer 118being assembled with upper rail 8. This allows the majority of theassembly to take place without interference from upper rail 8. Once thatassembly is completed, upper rail 8 may be slid onto longitudinallyextending retainer 118 to finish the upper-portion of the assemblyprocess for railing system 2. This process enables engagement of therigid support balusters into the bottom rail and up through the top barinsert after the both cable ends have been swaged onto each cable.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed toa stair railing system that employs a plurality of tensioned cables thatare spaced apart and extended between parallel-spaced, but angularly(i.e., non-horizontally the oriented), upper and lower rails. Like theprior embodiments, however, each of the plurality of cables extends fromthe underside of the top rail to the bottom rail to serve as balustersfor the stair railing system. Also, as a support baluster extends fromupper and lower stair rails, the support baluster is rigid to assistdefining spacing between the upper and lower stair rails in similarfashion to that described with respect to the prior embodiments, buthere configured to be used on a staircase.

A side view of an illustrative embodiment of a staircase rail system 162is shown in FIG. 16. Staircase rail system 162 includes an upper rail168 and lower rail 170 like rails 8 and 10 of railing system 2. Upperand lower rails 168 and 170 help define the distance or run 172 ofstaircase rail system 162. It is appreciated that multiple staircaserail systems 162 may be connected together to extend the length of afull staircase. Extending between upper and lower rails 168 and 170,respectively, is an illustrative plurality of support balusters 182which defines the distance that will form space 180 between upper rail168 and lower rail 170. It is appreciated that, like the priorembodiments, any number of support balusters 182 may be used to create astaircase rail system 162 of desired run 172. For example, only onesupport baluster 182 may be used under circumstances when run 172 isrelatively short. In contrast, two, four or six support balusters 182may be employed when run 172 is relatively long. Accordingly, theskilled artisan, upon reading the present disclosure, will appreciatethat the number of support balusters 182 shown herein are illustrativeonly and does not limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore,support balusters 182 may be made from metal, including, but not limitedto, aluminum, iron, steel, etc., or wood, plastic, vinyl, or other likerigid material.

Also extending between upper and lower railings 168 and 170,respectively, in space 180, are a plurality of cables 184, 186, and 188.Like support balusters 182, it is appreciated that any number of cablesfrom one to three to twenty to any other number may be employed in asection of staircase rail system 162. In the illustrative embodiment,the set of three cables 184, 186, and 188 are located adjacent andbetween support balusters 182. Further, the illustrative embodiment inFIG. 16 is not intended to define a specific number of such cables. Likethe prior embodiments, it is further appreciated that these cables maybe made of any variety of materials, including, but not limited to,stainless steel, other metal, nylon, fabric, or natural material.Illustratively, each of cables 184, 186, and 188 exert a tension forceagainst upper and lower rails 168 and 170, respectively. Thiscounteracts the support balusters 182 which resists that tension forceto maintain the space 180 between rails 168 and 170. The result is astrong staircase rail system 162 with aesthetic uniqueness derived fromthe cables to provide a corresponding look that complements railingsystem 2. Cables 184, 186, and 188 act as balusters in similar fashionto cables 24, 26, and 28 of rail system 2. The baluster function alsoserves as a barrier in space 180 between rails 168 and 170.

A detail perspective view of the underside of a portion of a section ofstaircase rail system 162 is shown in FIG. 17. This view depicts howcables 184, 186, and 188 each attach to upper rail 168 and lower rail170. With regard to attaching to upper rail 168, illustrative keyholes190, 192, and 194 are disposed through a bottom panel 196 of upper rail168 as illustratively shown. In the illustrated embodiment, each ofkeyholes 190, 192, and 194 are key-shaped, meaning that the keyhole ismade up of a relatively large opening portion adjacent a narrow slottedportion. As will be demonstrated further herein, this key shape is toassist in assembling staircase rail system 162. Illustratively, thecable with a retainer attached thereto may be inserted into the largeropening portion and then slid so the cable is moved to the slottedportion. Because the slot is narrower, the retainer cannot be removed,so it and the cable are held into place in upper rail 168, as shown inFIG. 17. Also shown in this view is support baluster 182 that extendsthrough opening 198 disposed through bottom panel 196 of upper rail 168.

This detail view of FIG. 17 also depicts how cables 184, 186, and 188attach to lower rail 170. Openings disposed through lower rail 170 (see,also, FIG. 19), similar to that described with respect to the priorembodiments, allow each of cables 184, 186, and 188 to be disposed intolower low rail 170. Sidewalls 202 and 204, of lower rail 170, dependfrom top panel 206 and form a space within the underside of lower rail170. Like the prior embodiments, it is appreciated that lower rail 170(as well as upper rail 168), may be made of extruded aluminum, steel,iron, plastic, or other like materials suitable for railingconstruction. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the sidewalls 202and 204 include opposing slots 210 and 212 similar to slots 44 and 46 ofthe prior embodiment. These sidewalls 202 and 204, along with top panel206 and slots 210 and 212, extend along the longitudinal extent or run172 (see FIG. 16), similar to the prior embodiments. Slots 210 and 212,similar to slots 44 and 46, are configured and sized to receive bar 209,which supports support balusters 182, similar to how slots 44 and 46receive bar 52 to support baluster 22, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 of theprior embodiments.

To secure each of cables 184, 186, and 188 to lower rail 170, eachinclude securement assemblies 214, 216, and 218 similar to securementassemblies 54, 56, and 58 of the prior embodiments. In this case,however, securement assemblies 214, 216, and 218 each includes anadapter bracket 220 that help secure the cable along with support nut222, tensioner 224, and cable stop 226 (see, also, FIG. 19). Adapterbracket 220 is sized and dimensioned to fit into slots 210 and 212.Support nut 222 holds both tensioner 224 and cable stop 226 so that thecable will be oriented vertical with respect to a horizontal line 171(see FIG. 19), even when upper and lower rails 168 and 170,respectively, are positioned at an angle with respect to horizontal line171.

A side cross-sectional detail view of a portion of upper rail 168 isshown in FIG. 18. This view depicts how cable 184 affixed to cable stop226 may be fitted and held within a cavity 228 within upper rail 168.Illustratively, and as previously discussed, keyhole 190 is composed ofa relatively larger opening 230 that is in communication with adjacentslot 232. It is appreciated that all of the additional keyholes 192, and194 are configured the same way. Again, any number of cables may be usedas desired for staircase rail system 162.

As demonstrated in FIG. 18, cable stop 226 which holds the end of cable184, may be disposed through opening 230 to fit into cavity 228. Becauseof the angular orientation of upper rail 168, cable 184 may be slid intoslot 232. Because slot 232 is narrower than opening 230, there is onlyenough space for cable 184 to be fitted therein. Cable stop 226, asshown herein, adds additional width to cable 184, an amount wider thanthe width of slot 232 (see, also, FIG. 17). This means cable stop 226prevents cable 184 from being removable from upper rail 168 while inslot 232. This assists in a more convenient assembly of the cables tothe upper rail portion of staircase rail system 162. Also shown in thisview is support balusters 182 disposed through opening 198 in bottompanel 196 of upper rail 168. The inner surface of bottom panel 196supports cable stop 226. Illustratively, end portion 234 of supportbalusters 182 may engage the inner surface 236 of upper rail 168 toprovide a consistent upper stop surface for support balusters 182 tohelp provide a consistent distance indicated by space 180 (see FIG. 16)between upper and lower rails 168 and 170.

A side cross-sectional detail view of lower rail 170 is shown in FIG.19. This view is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 18 except thatonly the bottom portion of staircase rail system 162 is being shown.

A detail cross-sectional side view of lower rail portion 170 ofstaircase rail system 162 is shown in FIG. 19. This view depicts how thecables, whether it be 184, 186, or 188, are secured to lower rail 170.Although cable 184 is shown herein, it will be appreciated by theskilled artisan that this applies to the other cables as well. In thisillustrative embodiment, cable 184 is shown being disposed throughopening 238, which itself is disposed through top panel 206 of lowerrail 170. Cable 184 extends into space 208. Adapter bracket 220 ispositioned onto slot 210 and includes a securement portion 240 andsupport base 242 so as to couple and secure to space 208 within lowerrail 170. Extending transverse from securement portion 240 is supportbase 242, which is sized and oriented to support nut 222, as showntherein.

Furthermore, support base 242 includes an opening 244 through whichtensioner 224 is disposed so as to engage support nut 222. It isappreciated that support base 242 may be angled at a sufficientorientation with respect to horizontal plane 171 to assist in ensuringits cable, such as cable 184, is oriented vertically with respect tohorizontal plane 171. Further, it is appreciated that tensioner 224 maybe configured similar to that shown with respect to tensioner 76 of theprior embodiments (see FIG. 5) to allow movement of same with its cablein either directions 68 or 70 to not only secure tensioner 224 tosupport nut 222, but also keep its cable such as cable 184 taught whilein space 180 so the cable may serve as an effective baluster. This viewalso shows how cable stop 226, fitted about cable 184, seats withintensioner 224, similar to cable stop 108 fitted inside tensioner 76 ofthe prior embodiments. Here, cable 184 extends from bore 246 disposedthrough an illustrative portion of tensioner 224 as illustrativelyshown. With this configuration similar to the prior embodiments, cable184 is free to extend through tensioner 224 while keeping the endportion of cable 184, via cable stop 226, inside tensioner 224. Thismeans, support nut 222 is engageable with tensioner 224 and may be movedin directions 68 and 70 as desired to create the appropriate tensionbetween the two structures. Further, shown in this view is supportbaluster 182 extended through opening 248 disposed through top panel 206of lower rail 170. A bar 209 is fitted into slots 210 and 212 (see,also, FIG. 17) to serve as a support base for support baluster 182 thatis disposed in space 208 of lower rail 170. As illustratively shown, alower edge 250 is shown engaging top surface 252 of bar 209.

An end cross-sectional view of staircase rail system 162 is shown inFIG. 20. This view depicts support balusters 182 extended into cavity228 of upper rail 168. Illustratively, a stop 256 engages top end 258 ofsupport balusters 182 for purposes of defining the extent to whichsupport balusters 182 extends into upper rail 168. Again, thesestructures, along with bar 209 and the engagement between supportbalusters 182, and same within lower rail 170, define the distancebetween upper and lower rails 168 and 170 as indicated by distance 260which creates space 180. With this distance 260 defined, cables 184,186, and 188, illustratively, can span that distance 260 in space 180 toserve as balusters for staircase rail system 162. As shown, cable stop226 holds the end of cable 184 (the same is the case with the othercables as well), which is inserted into cavity 228 of upper rail 168 tosecure cable 184, herein as previously explained with respect to FIGS.17 and 18. With respect to lower rail 170, this view shows cable 184extending into tensioner 224 disposed through adapter bracket 220 andsecured thereon by support nut 222. This view also shows how securementportion 240 of adapter bracket 220 includes slots 262 and 264 thatreceive protrusions 266 and 268 that form slots 210 and 212,respectively. It is appreciated that protrusions 266 and 268 of thisembodiment may be formed in any particular configuration including thosethat might not necessarily require slots 210 and 212. That said, thisconfiguration allows standardization in manufacturing of the lower railto be similar, if not the same, as that described with respect to lowerrail 10 in the prior embodiments. Here, support base 242 and securementportion 240 of adapter bracket 220 serves as both a support base for thesecurement assemblies, such as securement assembly 214, illustrativelyshown in this view, but also as a wedging structure to assist holdingadapter bracket 220 in place during assembly of staircase rail system162. It is appreciated that securement assemblies 216 and 218 operatethe same way and include the same structures as described herein withrespect to securement assembly 214. The wedging effect of adapterbracket 220 enables tensioning of cables in securement assemblies 214,216, and 218 while preventing an upward sliding movement of adapterbracket 220 along lower rail 170.

Various views of adapter bracket 220 are shown in FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C,and 21D. The perspective view of adapter bracket 220, shown in FIG. 21A,illustrates opening 244 that receives tensioner 224 (see, also, FIG.19). Opening 244 is disposed through support base 242 which is orientedgenerally transverse to securement portion 240. In the illustratedembodiment, support base 242 is illustratively oriented aboutperpendicular to securement portion 240. The peripheral edge 270 ofsupport base 242 is illustratively rounded as shown herein so as tobetter position adapter bracket 220 into place within lower rail 170(see, also, FIG. 23). Slots 262 and 264 are shown formed on the outerperiphery of securement portion 240. Illustratively, slots 262 and 264are positioned axially opposed to each other. They are dimensioned andsized to receive protrusions 266 and 268 that extend from sidewalls 202and 204, respectively, in lower rail 170. Again, securement portion 240accommodates the structures in lower rail 170 for ease of manufacture.In an illustrative embodiment, lower rail 170 may be similar or the sameas lower rail 10 shown in the prior embodiments (see, also, FIG. 7).This means a special lower railing member does not need to be made. Itis appreciated, however, that adapter bracket 220 may have a differentconfiguration that may not require slots 262 or 264, or such slots maybe configured differently so as to accommodate protrusions of differentcharacter based on the needs and manufacture of the lower rail.

The side view of adapter bracket 220 shows the illustrative orientationof securement portion 240 with respect to support base 242. Herein, theorientation is about perpendicular. This view also shows the positioningof slots 264 (slot 262 will be in the same position, but on the otherside of securement portion 240). It is appreciated that this positioningmay be adjusted as needed depending on the configuration of the lowerrail. The top view of adapter bracket 220 is shown in FIG. 21C. Here,the rounded character of peripheral edge 270 of support base 242 isevident. This is also the case with opening 244 disposed through supportbase 242. The rear view of adapter bracket 220 is shown in FIG. 21D.This view further shows securement portion 240 with slots 262 and 264disposed therethrough.

Underside views of a portion of lower rail 170 are shown in FIGS. 22,23, and 24. These views, similar to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 of the priorembodiments, depict the progression of how adapter bracket 220 ispositioned within space 208 of lower rail 170 and moved to its finalinstallation position. As shown in FIG. 22, adapter bracket 220 ispositioned longitudinally as shown within space 208 of lower rail 170.Peripheral edge 270 is oriented facing one or the other of sidewalls 202or 204. In this view, peripheral edge 270 of support base 242 facessidewall 202. This view also shows protrusions 266 and 268 extendinginward in space 208. Furthermore, support nut 222 may engage tensioner224, which holds stop 226 with cable 184. This may all be assembled withadapter bracket 220 oriented as shown in FIG. 22. This is to allow easeof assembly of securement assembly 214 without having adapter bracket220 engaged or otherwise held by lower rail 170. All components ofsecurement assembly 214 may be attached together prior to securementassembly 214 being positioned within space 208 of lower rail 170. Oncethis happens, all that is needed to secure securement assembly 214 tolower rail 170 is the process further described in FIGS. 23 and 24.

As shown in the underside view FIG. 23, adapter bracket 220 ofsecurement assembly 214 may be rotated illustratively in direction 274so that slot 264 will begin receiving protrusion 268 that extends fromsidewall 204 of lower rail 170. Because of the curved edge configurationof peripheral edge 270 of support base 242, there is sufficientclearance for adapter bracket 220 to rotate as shown.

As depicted in the underside view of lower rail 170 in FIG. 24,securement portion 240 of adapter bracket 220 is rotated illustrativelyabout 90° from its original orientation shown in FIG. 22. This causesboth protrusions 266 and 268 to be fitted within slots 262 and 264,respectively. This position of adapter bracket 220, as shown herein, isabout a 90° pivot of same from that shown in FIG. 22. In this position,protrusions 266 and 268 assist holding adapter bracket 220 in place. Atthis point, cable 184 may then be inserted into keyhole 190, as shown inFIG. 18. Support nut 222 of securement assembly 214 may then be rotatedto move tensioner 224, which will pull on cable stop 226 and thus cable184 to provide sufficient tension on same for it to be used as abaluster for staircase rail system 162.

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown inspecific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should beappreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not berequired. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged ina different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures.Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in aparticular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required inall embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may becombined with other features. It should also be appreciated that anysubject matter disclosed in this non-provisional patent application thatmay differ from the priority Application, the disclosure from thisnon-provisional patent application controls.

What is claimed:
 1. A railing system comprising: a horizontally-orientedupper rail and a horizontally-oriented lower rail; wherein thehorizontally-oriented upper rail is spaced-apart from thehorizontally-oriented lower rail; wherein the horizontally-orientedlower rail has an n-shaped cross-sectional profile that includes a firstsidewall, a second sidewall spaced-apart and facing the first sidewall,and a top panel that extends between and connected to the first andsecond sidewalls; at least one cable that extends between thespaced-apart horizontally-oriented upper and lower rails, and through anopening in the top panel and between the spaced-apart first and secondsidewalls of the horizontally-oriented lower rail; wherein the at leastone cable includes a stop sleeve disposed about the at least one cableand is positioned adjacent an end of the at least one cable, so togetherthe stop sleeve and the at least one cable have a width greater than theat least one cable; a cable tensioner having a partially cylindricalbody, a partially threaded outer surface, a bore disposed through thepartially cylindrical body, and a stop surface located adjacent anopening on the cable tensioner; wherein the at least one cable and thestop sleeve are located in the bore of the cable tensioner where thestop sleeve is engageable with the stop surface of the cable tensioner;an adapter that includes a body, a partially cylindrical bore thatextends into the body, and first and second opposing flanges that extendoutwardly from the body; wherein at least a portion of the cabletensioner fits into the partially cylindrical bore of the adapter; and afastener having a threaded bore disposed therethrough and a contactsurface adjacent the threaded bore; wherein the partially threaded outersurface of the partially cylindrical body of the cable tensioner isthreadingly engaged to the threaded bore of the fastener; wherein thecontact surface of the fastener engages the contact surface on the bodyof the adapter with a portion of the at least one cable, cable stopsleeve, and tensioner located within the partially cylindrical bore ofthe adapter; wherein the first and second opposing flanges that extendoutwardly from the body of the adapter form a surface located in contactwith an underside surface of the top panel between the first and secondsidewalls of the horizontally-oriented lower rail; and whereinadjustment of the fastener allows the cable tensioner to selectivelymove towards and away from the underside surface of the top panel of thehorizontally-oriented lower rail.
 2. The railing system of claim 1,further comprising at least one rigid baluster extending between thehorizontally-oriented upper rail and the horizontally-oriented lowerrail, wherein the at least one baluster extends through a balusteropening disposed through the top panel of the horizontally-orientedlower rail, wherein each of the first and second sidewalls of thehorizontally-oriented lower rail include a slot, wherein a panel isdisposed in the slot and configured to receive an end of the at leastone baluster to limit the spaced-apart distance between thehorizontally-oriented upper rail and the horizontally-oriented lowerrail.
 3. The railing system of claim 2, wherein the baluster is wedgedbetween the panel located in the horizontally-oriented lower rail and asecond end of the baluster engaged with the horizontally-oriented upperrail.
 4. The railing system of claim 3, wherein as the at least onebaluster limits the spaced-apart distance between thehorizontally-oriented upper rail and the horizontally-oriented lowerrail, the at least one cable that extends between the spaced-aparthorizontally-oriented upper and lower rails is tensioned by the cabletensioner selectively moved away from the underside surface of the toppanel of the horizontally-oriented lower rail.
 5. The railing system ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second opposing flanges each include oneradiused corner, wherein the radiused corner of the first opposingflange is diagonally positioned with respect to the radiused corner ofthe second opposing flange.
 6. The railing system of claim 1, whereinthe partially cylindrical bore in the adapter includes at least oneplanar sidewall.
 7. The railing system of claim 1, wherein the fasteneris a nut.
 8. The railing system of claim 1, wherein the at least onecable is a plurality of cables, wherein each cable of the plurality ofcables includes a stop sleeve disposed about the cable and positionedadjacent an end of the cable so together the stop sleeve and the cablehave a width greater than the cable, a cable tensioner having apartially cylindrical body, a partially threaded outer surface, a boredisposed through the partially cylindrical body, and a stop surfacelocated adjacent an opening on the cable tensioner, wherein the cableand the stop sleeve are located in the bore of the cable tensioner wherethe stop sleeve is engageable with the stop surface of the cabletensioner; an adapter that includes a body, a partially cylindrical borethat extends into the body, and first and second opposing flanges thatextend outwardly from the body, wherein at least a portion of the cabletensioner fits into the partially cylindrical bore of the adapter, and afastener having a threaded bore disposed therethrough and a contactsurface adjacent the threaded bore.
 9. The railing system of claim 8,wherein the partially threaded outer surface of the partiallycylindrical body of the cable tensioner for each cable of the pluralityof cables is threadingly engaged to the threaded bore of the fastener,the contact surface of the fastener engages the contact surface on thebody of the adapter with a portion of the cable, cable stop sleeve, andtensioner located within the partially cylindrical bore of the adapter,the first and second opposing flanges that extend outwardly from thebody of the adapter form a surface located in contact with an undersidesurface of the top panel between the first and second sidewalls of thehorizontally-oriented lower rail, and the adjustment of the fastenerallows the cable tensioner to selectively move towards and away from theunderside surface of the top panel of the horizontally-oriented lowerrail.
 10. The railing system of claim 1, wherein thehorizontally-oriented upper rail includes a slot that faces thehorizontally-oriented lower rail, wherein a longitudinally extendingretainer plate engages the periphery of the slot, wherein the retainerplate includes an opening sized to receive the at least one cable butnot a second stop sleeve located adjacent a second end of the cable,wherein the second end of the cable and stop sleeve are located withinthe horizontally-extending upper rail and engages the retainer plate,wherein a baluster opening is disposed of through the retainer plate andconfigured to receive a baluster having an end located within thehorizontally-extending upper rail.
 11. The railing system of claim 1,further comprising a plate fitted within a slot located on opposingsidewalls of the horizontally-oriented lower rail does not shroud theadapter located in the horizontally-oriented lower rail.
 12. A railingsystem comprising: a first rail and a second rail where the first railis spaced-apart from the second rail; at least one cable that extendsbetween the spaced-apart first and second rails, and extended through anopening in a top panel located between spaced-apart first and secondsidewalls of the second rail; wherein the at least one cable includes astop sleeve disposed about the cable and positioned adjacent an end ofthe at least one cable; a cable tensioner having a body, a bore disposedthrough the body, and a stop surface located adjacent an opening in thecable tensioner; wherein the least one cable with its stop sleeve islocated in the bore of the cable tensioner where the stop sleeve isengageable with the stop surface of the cable tensioner; an adapter thatincludes a body and a bore that extends into the body; wherein at leasta portion of the cable tensioner fits into the bore of the adapter;wherein the body of the adapter forms a surface located in contact withan underside surface of the top panel of the second rail between thefirst and second sidewalls of the second rail; and a fastener having athreaded bore disposed therethrough and a contact surface adjacent thethreaded bore, the partially threaded outer surface of the body of thecable tensioner threadedly engages the threaded bore of the fastener.13. The railing system of claim 12, wherein the contact surface of thefastener engages a contact surface on the body of the adapter with aportion of the at least one cable, cable stop, and tensioner are locatedwithin the bore of the adapter.
 14. The railing system of claim 13,wherein the adapter further includes first and second opposing flangesthat extend outwardly from the body of the adapter and form a surfacewith the body located in contact with an underside surface of the toppanel between the first and second sidewalls of the second rail.
 15. Therailing system of claim 13, wherein adjustment of the fastener allowsthe cable tensioner to selectively move towards and away from theunderside surface of the top panel of the second rail.
 16. A method ofassembling a rail system, the method comprising the steps of: providinga rail member that has a longitudinal extent, and a top panel locatedbetween spaced-apart first and second sidewalls that extend along thelongitudinal extent of the rail member; extending a cable between thespaced-apart first and second sidewalls of the rail member; providing anadapter that includes a body and first and second opposing flanges thatextend outwardly from the body of the adapter and form a surface;locating the adapter between the spaced-apart first and second sidewallsof the rail member; placing the adapter on an underside surface of therail member between the spaced-apart first and second sidewalls;engaging the at least one cable with the adapter; and rotating theadapter so the first and second opposing flanges are located adjacentthe spaced-apart first and second sidewalls, respectively.
 17. Themethod of assembling a rail system of claim 16, further comprising thesteps of: providing each of the first and second opposing flanges of theadapter with one radiused corner such that the radiused corner of thefirst opposing flange is positioned diagonally with respect to theradiused corner of the second opposing flange.
 18. The method ofassembling a rail system of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:rotating the adapter one-quarter turn so the first and second opposingflanges are located adjacent the spaced-apart first and secondsidewalls, respectively.